Lionel Messi missed training with Inter Miami after he sustained a strain in his left hamstring during the match against Barcelona SC in Ecuador.
The club confirmed the injury and announced the rescheduling of a pre-season friendly match against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. Messi expressed his apologies to fans for the unexpected change.
Puerto Rico friendly match postponed
Inter Miami stated that the pre-season friendly in Puerto Rico, initially set for February 13th, has been moved to February 26th following an update regarding Messi’s condition.
Messi diagnosed with left hamstring strain
An official statement from the club and Baptist Health indicated that Messi did not participate in training on February 11th due to his left hamstring strain, which he incurred during the match in Ecuador. Further medical evaluations will determine his recovery and when he can return to full training.
Messi’s message to fans
Messi addressed his fans directly in an Instagram Story, conveying his apologies to those in Puerto Rico.
“Hello everyone. I want to send my greetings to the Puerto Rican people who were looking forward to the training session and the match,” Messi stated. “After feeling some discomfort in my last game in Ecuador, we’ve decided to cancel the match. We aim to reschedule so we can connect soon.”
He also expressed his gratitude for the fans’ understanding, stating, “I truly appreciate your support and love. I hope the match can be rescheduled soon since I know tickets had already been sold. Sending you all a big hug.”
What’s next for Inter Miami?
The team will kick off their season on February 21st against LAFC and will begin a new chapter in title defense with the addition of players like German Bert Thelame.
Fan Take: Messi’s injury and the postponement of the friendly match are significant for soccer enthusiasts, as they raise concerns about the star’s availability for crucial matches. His ability to return to form quickly will not only impact Inter Miami but also the visibility and appeal of soccer in the U.S.
